AFD82

Active Compliance Force Device

The PushCorp Passive AFD82 Series Compliant Force Device
is a simple, low-cost unit for many finishing
applications. Using low friction cylinders and linear rail technology this
device delivers outstanding performance. Fitted with a manual or electrically
controlled pneumatic regulator, the AFD82 Series can make quick work of your
process. This unit can be robot mounted or table top mounted for applications where
the part is brought to the media.

The AFD82 Series is available in three configurations: AFD82-1 Vertical, AFD82-2 Horizontal, and the AFD82-3 Table Top. The units are functionally identical, but differ in the orientation with which they attach to the robot wrist, or mount to a table. This allows you to optimize robot reach and dexterity for your particular application.

The 82 Series can
be equiped as either an AFD81 single acting with only positive force application, or an
AFD82 double acting with positive and negative force capability.

Here are just a few operations the AFD82 Series, matched with the proper process equipment, can accomplish
faster, more accurately, and with greater control than ever before:

Grinding (molds, weld beads)

Deburring (parting lines, chamfer)

Polishing (glass, wood, sheet metal)

Drilling/Chamfering (thru-hole, to-depth)

Weld Shaving

Any other process which requires an accurate, compliant, continuously adjustable applied force.

Mounting Configurations

AFD82-1

AFD82-2

AFD82-3

The PushCorp, Passive AFD82 Series Force Device was designed as
an inexpensive alternative to the Active AFD1100 Series Force Device. In
some applications the AFD82 Series can provide comparible performance to the AFD1100 at a much
lower cost. The simplicity of the AFD82 Series does, however, require more
integration effort from the end user. The AFD82 Series is a very simple and
rugged device, that incorporates several innovative features. The AFD82 Series
uses glass cylinders with graphite pistons, and linear ball bearings to greatly reduce
operating friction. It has the same physical dimensions as the AFD1100 Series,
and the same bolt patterns.

The AFD82 Series requires the user to supply regulated pressure
to control the force output. An AFD81 requires one regulator and the AFD82 needs
two. The force output resoulution is highly dependant on the regulator accuracy.
The regulator can be manual or electrically

controlled based on the application. If a constant force is required and the orientation does not
change, a manual regulator is sufficient. If the force and/or orientation changes
during the process, then an electrically controlled regulator is necessary to provide
gravity compensation. This means that the process equipment weight must be
compensated for, which requires calculation and adjustment of the regulator pressure at
all times during the process.

The AFD82 Series has a linear potentiomenter
installed inside the unit to monitor the carriage position. A connector on the
outside of the unit is connected to a high-flex cable. The cable must be connected
to a power supply and an analog input device. The position of the carriage can be
monitored continuously during the AFD's operation.

If the end-user has the skills to setup the gravity compensation
and linear potentiometer, the AFD82 Series may be the ideal
solution. On the other hand, if easier setup and higher performance is desired, the
active AFD1100 Series would be a better choice.